hi everyone! I have already posted my concern as a reply in another thread but thought of posting it as a new thread:

I just need some advice to raise my chances in getting a tourist visa to the UK as when I was browsing the forum it seemed that it's hard to obtain a Tourist Visa.

By the way, few things about me, I'm 28 yrs old, single, and my first time to travel out of the Philippines, why? cos this has been the only time and chance for me to do so because the past years I cannot leave since my mother needs to be taken care of due to her lung ailment. She passed away just April of this year and my dad also think I deserve a much needed break. And also, it is also by this time that I had enough savings for leisure.

So here are my concerns:

1. my stay might last for only 2-3 months since its just a vacation, can I still consume the remaining months since 6 months is granted for a tourist visa or does it mean it is valid for 6 months from the time it is granted?

2. As for sponsorship, I will be shouldering for the trip myself, (with a little help from my dad) although I have a friend in Banburry that I am planning to meet and he could act as my tour guide. I need some inputs please if I should or need to share that info with the embassy or will it just make things complicated?

3. For the security evidence, I have (2) savings acct with Php 100k+ each (at least more than 300k total) checking acct / bank statements and other savings acct & time deposit certificates that I share with my father (this is my concern if joint accounts are valid), work certificate, company ID and calling cards, I can also provide business permit (for my small business), municipal license and proof of billings (telephone, credit cards, etc), life insurance, and the fact that Im an only child that cannot leave my aging dad for long.

4. Should I still include land titles or vehicles OR/CR (eventhough it is under the name of my dad) just to show that I will definitely come back and cannot just leave those behind since as I have mentioned I am the only child.

Thank you very much in advance for the replies and inputs.